Instruction- Appointments, Trainings, Workshops and More

Instruction and knowledge sharing is the core of our makerspace mission. It is critical to understand that inherent in the use of many resources from the makerspace is a degree of risk, therefore safety is a top priority.  Instruction comes in many forms and typically we define the sessions as:

• Events: activity or project with a theme 
• Trainings: trainings are safety and use instruction sessions.
• Workshops are focused more on software and possible design,

Almost all of the in space and interchangeable lens cameras require training before they can be used. Trainings do require official documentation and  generally takes 48-72 hours, after training to be updated in the system. Once training is documented in the system, individuals can then look to schedule equipment for personal use. So plan ahead and make sure to complete training earlier in the semester.

In an effort to assist you in preparing for the best use of the equipment, here is a quick guide on how you can get started with tips along the way to help your experience be the best:

Looking to get trained?

 So you found the makerspace and now you want to get started learning how to use the equipment! Excellent, the first step is scheduling your training.

Step 1) Schedule Training

• Trainings are offered on a regular schedule throughout the semester. If you look at the Calendar you can see upcoming trainings, workshops, and events. Find all that you are interested in register for the free training
• OR if you are unable to attend the prescheduled sessions, we offer available when possible for individuals to request a one on one training. If you choose one on one trainings it is a 2 step booking process in some cases including laser and One Button Studio, where you will need to book the equipment and choose that you are booking it for a training and schedule a trainer for the same time. We recommend having 2 browser windows so you can see the schedules side by side. To do so click the link for the preferred location to review options
  • Equipment Booking: Discovery Park | Frisco Landing | Willis Library
  • Trainer Booking: Discovery Park | Frisco Landing  | Willis Library

Reminders for when you are ready to attend trainings or workshops:

1. Review the upcoming training and workshops available by the location you wish to have your training at on the STW tabs 

2. Register for the training or workshop 

3. Training and workshop sessions require a minimum of 48 hours lead time for one on one or registration for scheduled events

4. Group session for organizations, departments, classes are welcome and require a longer lead time of at least 2 weeks

Step 2) Attend Training

• Remember trainings are required prior to being able to complete a personal project
• Materials for trainings are provided by the Spark
• Please be prepared for 30-45 minutes to complete the training
• At the training you will be required to complete a training agreement and liability paperwork
• Training will include:
  • safety procedures
  • proper machine use procedures
  • best practices
  • how to schedule personal use in the future

NOTE: it takes 48-72 hours to process training forms in to the system. You will receive a training receipt via email which you can upload through the booking form, to help minimize any delays in being able to book the equipment during this processing window.

Been trained and now wanting to book the equipment?

You have completed training, yeah! Now you have a project you want to complete. For self service 3D printing, Cricut, and the standard circulating items, they are on a first come first service basis. For our cameras and projectors they are a booking request form. For our other in space equipment such as One button studio, CNC, vacuum forming machine, and embroidery machine a Monitored Operator Appointment (MOA) is required. For the laser cutters (all locations) and all Frisco Landing in space equipment individuals must book the equipment and the MOA.

Equipment Booking: Discovery Park | Frisco Landing | Willis Library

MOA Booking: Discovery Park | Frisco Landing | Willis Library

• Remember you must bring your materials
  • Best practice includes having some scrap piece/s of material to test on
  • Ensure you have brought all necessary materials for your project.
• If planning to use the laser cutters, quarter-inch birch plywood is recommended, which may be purchased from Home Depot, Lowes, and most other home improvement retailers or hardware stores.
  • Please note, Spark employees will inspect any material before use of the laser cutters and retain the right to deny use of the laser cutters if our employees deem the material improper.
  • Commonly rejected materials include, but are not limited to:
    • Unidentified plastics- All plastics must be identified by type before use.

                                      §Polycarbonate sheet plastics, which are frequently confused with acrylics

• Certain wood materials, such as:

                                            § particle board

§ MDF

                                           § HDF

                                           § OSB

                                           § wood that is dirty

                                           § most reclaimed wood

                                           § most pine plywood

                                           § most underlayment plywood

Looking to schedule a group, class, department training or workshop?

Our goal is to work with classes and groups to schedule events, workshops, and trainings to support the needs of your group. We strive to be able to coordinate trainings in a timely manner. Due to the many variables that may be part of a group/class/department request we require a minimum of a two week request to be able to review and determine our ability to accommodate the group's needs.

To complete the form below we request you to include as much detail as possible but at a minimum we will need to know:

• Location- you will be able to select one of the Spark locations or other  for which you will be asked to include details for the location you are requesting
• Event description
• When: Dates/Time options for the event
• Topic and title of Event
• Anticipated audience size
• Type of event you are requesting:
  • Information Session- Spark team member come to you, physically or virtually to give an information session about the Spark and its services
  • Tour- bringing a group to one of our spaces for a tour of the space and services available
  • Resource Overview- a specialized tour of a specific subset of resources such as Audio equipment or 3D printers
  • Equipment Training- a full training for the group on a specific piece of equipment
  • Workshop- software training on a specific application
  • Other- any mix of the above or an outreach type of event
• Contact information- so there are several fields for information about the class and representative to organize the session or event with

TO submit a request for a group, class, department or organization event please use the button below:

At the Spark we believe in experiential learning process and strive to provide safe, engaging and inspiring opportunities to learn. Our outreach initiatives are designed to engage with community partners to bring the Spark experience to individuals in a wide range of topic areas. A significant portion of our efforts are spent in k-12 settings and include home school cooperatives, private schools and public school districts. 

We are open to explore opportunities for fostering new partnerships, if you are interested please send an email to Spark.support@unt.edu with details of what you are interested in partnering with the Spark on.

The Spark offers events and instructions sessions at all three locations. below is a snapshot of the session that are on the schedule at this time. If you are interested in a specific event or session click on the title to take you to a page with more details for the given event.